After I read the first installment of this series, I said that I was eagerly awaiting the next installment. Well my wait for volume 2 is over, and nowAfter I read the first installment of this series, I said that I was eagerly awaiting the next installment. Well my wait for volume 2 is over, and now I have to be patient about volume 3.

Ballad is told by James and Nuala. James was an important character in Lament, since he is Diedre's best friend. He has started at a new school, Thornking-Ash to be with Dee. Nuala is a Leanan Sidhe, one of the many faeries who populate this story.

It took me a little while to remember James and Diedre's story, but once I got that back, Ballad moved quickly. I am not sure how this book would read if you had not read Lament. I think it would be possible to follow the story, but having read Lament made everything clearer.

Because I had read Lament, it was obvious that this was a continuation of Dee's involvement with the faerie world and that James would be drawn in because of his involvement with Nuala.

As the story moved forward, I could hardly put the book down. What was going to happen to James and Diedre's relationship? How does Paul, Sullivan and Nuala fit into the tale? Why are the faeries so interested in Dee.

All I can say is read this book. You will find it intriguing if you have not read Lament, and if you have read the first volume, you won't be able to let go of this book until the very end.

It seems my reading goes in circles even when I don't intend to read about the same things. In the last two years I have read 8 books that I have taggIt seems my reading goes in circles even when I don't intend to read about the same things. In the last two years I have read 8 books that I have tagged World War II. It looks like I may be starting a similar trend visiting the faerie world. I read Ellen Kushner's Thomas Rhymer earlier this summer and then picked up this book.

I think this is Maggie Stiefvater's second published work. She is, in my opinion, off to a great start. Deirdre Monahan's story caught my interest and never let go. When I had to quit reading, I found myself wondering what direction Deidre's life was going to go next.

I am planning to recommend this to both YAs and adults who love fantasy, faeries and adventure. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment....more

I read Kushner's book Swordpoint long ago, but I remember it as a wonderful book. This one was also a good read.

Thomas the Rhymer is an excellent musiI read Kushner's book Swordpoint long ago, but I remember it as a wonderful book. This one was also a good read.

Thomas the Rhymer is an excellent musician. He charms many people in the courts of this world and then finds that he charms the Queen of Elfland. Pleasing her is the only way Thomas will be able to survive. But what will happen in our world while he is in Elfland.

I found this story, based on a ballad, easy to believe. Although this tale requires suspension of disbelief, it isn't hard to do. Kushner sets a wonderful stage and then follows through with an interesting love story....more